Happy Sinhala & Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, also known as Aluth Avurudda, is a traditional celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in Sri Lanka. This festival is celebrated annually on the 13th and 14th of April, and it is a time for family gatherings, religious observances, and traditional games.

The Sinhalese people, who make up the majority of the population, celebrate the Sinhala New Year, while the Tamil people, who are the largest ethnic minority, celebrate the Tamil New Year. Despite the differences in cultures and traditions, both communities come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

The preparation for the New Year begins weeks in advance, with the cleaning of the house, the purchase of new clothes, and the preparation of traditional sweets and delicacies. The day before the New Year, known as the Nonagathe, is a time for last-minute preparations, including the final cleaning of the house and the preparation of traditional meals.

On the day of the New Year, both Sinhalese and Tamils will wake up before dawn and prepare themselves for the celebrations ahead. They will wear new clothes, light oil lamps, and prepare traditional breakfasts, including kiribath (rice cooked in coconut milk) and kevum (sweet oil cake).

One of the most important rituals of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the lighting of the hearth, known as the boiling of the milk ceremony. This involves boiling a pot of fresh milk and allowing it to spill over, symbolising abundance and prosperity in the coming year.

The New Year is also a time for religious observances, with both Sinhalese and Tamils visiting temples and participating in religious ceremonies. Many people also engage in acts of charity, such as donating food and clothing to the less fortunate.

Another important aspect of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the traditional games and activities. These include pillow fights, tug-of-war, and the breaking of the pot, which involves blindfolded participants trying to break a clay pot filled with goodies.

Overall, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a time of joy, togetherness, and the celebration of Sri Lankan culture and traditions. It is a time for families and friends to come together, to reflect on the past year, and to look forward to the coming year with hope and optimism.

Wishing everyone a Happy Sinhala & Tamil New Year from The Serendipity Collection team!